Fortifications of Metz

After the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, the area was annexed by the newly created German Empire in 1871 by the Treaty of Frankfurt and became the Reichsland Alsace–Lorraine.

A large barbed wire belt, defended by machine gun and rifle positions, completed the defensive system.

These batteries were lacking range tables, missing sights and other equipment to make the guns fully operational.

The first, inner belt of fortifications were completed by the French just prior to the Franco-Prussian War and were in service during the Siege of Metz from 3 September to 23 October 1870.

The forts were in a ring approximately 4 km out from the city center, and were (anti-clockwise from the south): The second, outer belt of fortifications were completed by the Germans prior to the First World War but saw little service.